Idyll Swords

photo by Amy Wilkinson

Idyll Swords were a trio of guitarists based in Chapel Hill, NC and New York. Dave Brylawski (Polvo, Black Taj), Grant Tennille (Black Taj), and Chuck Johnson (Spatula, Shark Quest) formed the project in 1997 as an outlet for their interest in acoustic folk music and stringed instruments collected during their travels in the Middle East and Asia. Idyll Swords made one of their few live appearances at the Transmissions oo3 festival in 2000.

The Communion Label released their self-titled cd in 1999 and Idyll Swords II in 2000. In November 2002 the Idyll Swords released a limited-edition EP as part of the “Purposeful Availment” subscription series from Three Lobed Recordings. Producer Brian Paulson recorded most of Idyll Swords II at his home studio outside of Chapel Hill. Chuck Johnson recorded the other two releases.

Chuck Johnson is a composer and musician residing in Oakland, CA. He approaches his work with an ear towards the faults and instabilities that reveal latent beauty, and with a focus on American Primitive guitar, experimental electronics, and "folk minimalist" composition.